Emotional Hangzhou Asiad closing ceremony highlights roles of essential workers, volunteers, achievements of athletes
“Wave Rider” returns to extinguish the flame of the 19th Asiad, but not before offering a massive gesture of love and respect. (WEI XIAOHAO AND GAO ERQIANG / CHINA DAILY)
The giant digital torchbearer, which ignited the main flame alongside the Olympic champion and 19th Asian Games gold medalist swimmer Wang Shun during the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou, was back for its closing.
With a new name, “Wave Rider”, it made a return appearance to witness the ceremonial extinguishing of the flame, accompanied by volunteers and athletes at the closing ceremony in the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium, fondly referred to as the “Big Lotus”, on Oct 8.
The closing ceremony, themed “Enduring Memories of Hangzhou”, brought the athletes to center stage, setting the tone for a festive atmosphere.
Governor of Aichi Prefecture Hideaki Omura waves the flag of the Olympic Council of Asia during the handover to the next host at the closing ceremony of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on Oct 8. The 20th Asiad will be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, in 2026. (PHOTO / AP)
Short films were screened to recap the thrilling and heartwarming moments of the Games, highlighting athletes from 45 countries and regions.
Sha Xiaolan, chief director of the closing ceremony, said the show also extended heartfelt gratitude to all the volunteers, whose contributions have been instrumental in the success of the Games.
The beauty of technology dazzled, with a notable highlight being the “digital lawn”. After the final athletics event on the evening of Oct 5, when the competition facilities were removed, all that remained for the closing ceremony stage was a simple lawn.
The creative team made the bold decision to utilize this lawn to craft the “world’s largest and most exquisite garden” to provide a tranquil and joyful retreat for the athletes, Sha said.
The Asian Games mascots, Lianlian, Chenchen and Congcong escort Team China’s flag bearer into the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium for the closing ceremony. (WEI XIAOHAO AND GAO ERQIANG / CHINA DAILY)
Athletes from all participating nations and regions gather and mingle in the center of the stadium. (WEI XIAOHAO AND GAO ERQIANG / CHINA DAILY)
This seemingly ordinary lawn hid a remarkable secret. “Though the lawn appears unassuming, it concealed nearly 40,000 luminescent points,” Sha explained.
“During the closing ceremony, the lawn harmonized with the performances, conjuring up patterns such as blossoms and waves. Furthermore, through AR (augmented reality) technology, viewers at home got a complete view of this enchanting garden.”
Chinese culture also continued to radiate through the closing ceremony. Oct 8 coincided with “Cold Dew”, one of the 24 solar terms on the Chinese lunar calendar, signifying the season when lotus and osmanthus in Hangzhou gracefully transition.
Through two spectacular performances, A Joyful Gathering and The Lotus and the Osmanthus in Harmony, the creation team bade a fond farewell to guests from all corners of the world, hoping for a future reunion.
A dance performance celebrates the continental unity of the tournament. (PHOTO / REUTERS)
Wu Yan, the executive producer of the closing ceremony, said that the event emphasized the importance of human emotions and paid tribute to the dedication of all the athletes and volunteers, who have poured their sweat and tears into the event.
At the ceremony’s conclusion, a video with the central theme of “farewell” was showcased. It focused on the guests, volunteers, and people of Hangzhou expressing their reluctance to say farewell and expressing their wishes to see each other again in the future.
Wu said she hopes this moment from the closing ceremony will forever be etched in everyone’s hearts as a cherished memory of the Asian Games, and of Hangzhou.
“All athletes will carry this heartfelt wish from Hangzhou with them as they return home,” she said.
The diverse sports of the Games are highlighted on the giant curtain screen. (WEI XIAOHAO AND GAO ERQIANG / CHINA DAILY)
A spectacular aerial dance performance, The Lotus and Osmanthus in Harmony, celebrates the unique natural beauty of the host city. (WEI XIAOHAO AND GAO ERQIANG / CHINA DAILY)
The ceremony concluded with the formal handover of the Asian Games torch and Olympic Council of Asia flag to Japan, which will host the continental sporting gala in Aichi-Nagoya in 2026.
For many of the athletes, coaches, and technical staff, however, with nine sports in Hangzhou serving as qualifiers, their attention will now turn westward to Paris and next year’s Olympic Games.
